Fighting Past Pain

Heavenly Chaos, Book 2

By: Daniel Schinhofen

Narrated by: Andrea Parsneau

Life changed the moment the Heavens granted Benedict his Regeneration Sphere.

Stepping out of the abusive cycle he'd known all his life, Benedict entered the Gilfle Academy. Getting help from his therapist, Agatha Carper, he was ready to try his new lease on life. It wasn't without its bumps and setbacks, but he wasn't going to give up on this second chance.

Benedict's first bump was his new roommate, Atropos Foxglove. The young woman had a painful past that'd colored her view of life, especially when it came to men. The two stumbled and even argued but eventually found their footing to coexist. That coexistence even turned into a friendship that grew as the semester went on.

It was the second bump that almost ended Benedict's new life prematurely. Ellen Rox had long hated Atropos, and she wasn't above hurting others. Seeing Benedict with Atropos, Ellen chose to use him as her pawn and bring more grief into Atropos' life. That all culminated in Benedict being accused of sexual assault, a fabrication put on by Ellen and her cronies.

The false charges were stopped only with some help, but they also led Atropos and Benedict to become closer. Friendship forged through adversity—including their own past traumas—made for a bedrock to build on.

They wouldn't be building their friendship alone, though, as they'd both found peers who they could count on. Their best mutual friend was named Sadie Somnius, a slightly older woman who was also their gym coach. She might be brash and far more aggressive than either Benedict or Atropos, but she also helped bring the two of them closer.

With the semester at an end, the three friends were separated for the tournament that the Academy held with its contemporaries. Benedict and Atropos would be facing the best of each Academy in a mock war. After that, they'd strive to delve into the Pockets and pull out more rewards than anyone else. Winning one or both could propel them farther along their path of ascending to the Heavens.

©2024 Daniel J. Schinhofen (P)2025 Podium Audio

Character expansion and story depth made this a worthwhile listen

Really enjoyed the direction these books are going and the audible versions just reinforce that feeling even more. I will admit that D.S. has been stolen my imagination and A.P. has stolen my hearing and the combo just ignites my desire for more in every possible way!

great sequel great author narrator

it's a really good fantasy book with really great audio books can't wait for book 3

I really enjoy the intimate connection. the main characters are building

this is currently one of my favorite series with a very well written. I can't wait to see where the character's relationships won't go

Story is great, lead male is still a problem.

Love the story thus far. The author has taken the time to think through all the ins and outs of battle on the field and in the heart.
The problem for me comes from how much a doormat the main lead is… ok, doormat is a little far. However, he is constantly overthinking, overshadowed, and overworking.

Yes he is great at cooking and getting the shit kicked out of him.

that’s the crux of it. Like all he was good for is cooking and taking damage. The relationships felt uneven at times.

The MC blushing like a maiden even after knowing innuendos are incoming. I can understand finding yourself but by book two he’s still acting in a frustrating manner.

I’m not saying he should be he-man, however, Act more forward. Take the chance. Embrace it. Stuff like that. More Dominant at the appropriate times. Instead of, for lack of a better term being a doormat.

One side note Main male who is constantly being told he is getting stronger much faster due to regen. How the HE double hockey sticks is his strength stat the same as the “I’m too fluffy girl” after level up… something is wrong there. Not to mention being completely helpless during later fights against people his own level. Very frustrating in the fact it wasn’t even close just getting stomped in every thing if it’s not tied to a plot point. Regardless of the author trying to make it seem better by saying he can take a beating. Honestly in the first book that’s was placating the feelings of frustration. Now it feels more like a slap to the nads. I’m mean even his wins feel like losses. At the least you could have let him rage against all the bs by Letting lose on the nasty people that deserve it.. But no.. he snaps out of it every time.


Ok now that that is done. The book is great. I’m still looking forwards to the next one.

can I have book 3 now?

again this series is fantastic. this book steps into a little more action at the start, slows back down to great character development and the slow burn love story. I Soo want book 3 now.